Six schools compete in Catholic Schools Spelling Bee

BAHAMAS

Sixth grade St Cecelia’s student Sean Cargill Jr spelled his way to victory, placing first in the 58th Catholic Diocesan spelling bee. Cargill made it through round after round of tough competition that lasted 20 rounds. The word that propelled Cargill to victory was “Clandestine”.

The Catholic Schools Spelling Bee is the oldest formal spelling bee in The Bahamas. It is aimed at encouraging academic excellence and a healthy competitive spirit among Catholic primary schools, according to an article from The Nassau Guardian. It said that 18 Catholic Board of Education (CBE) students, representing six CBE primary schools competed.

Meanwhile, local news source Our News Bahamas reported that the annual Catholic school-wide spelling bee was held January 29, at Xavier’s Lower School. “Sean is no stranger to winning, as he’s won his school’s spelling bee for the past three years. He says preparation and perseverance were key to his success, but he couldn’t have done it without the help of his family and coaches,” the article said.

It stated that his mom said they studied year-round, and that Cargill has not only excelled in academics, he’s also an active member of his community. Last October Our News spoke to Cargill about his fundraising initiative to sell hundreds of wristbands to help fight breast cancer.

“Looking ahead, Sean says he not only plans to prepare diligently for the national competition, but also hopes to one day compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States.”

For now he’s still celebrating his win, getting a hero’s welcome when he returned to class at the St Cecelia’s school.